Language

What is the French word for a know-all?

Learn the definition and origin of ultracrépidarianisme, meaning the habit of giving opinions beyond your expertise

Four French ‘air’ expressions

From brasser de l'air to changer d'air

Which French words are resisting anglicisms in everyday language?

Language campaigners may worry about rising anglicisms, but some French words are holding firm

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Learning French: what does faire les cent pas mean and when should it be used?

A handy phrase for when someone is pacing back and forth

Why French words are not pronounced the way they are written

Many are different from what you might reasonably expect

What does le mouton à cinq pattes mean and when should it be used?

A phrase to describe something unique or out of the ordinary

What does en flagrant délit mean in French?

Learn how this common phrase is used when someone is caught in the act

Three-panel collage showing an outdoor lakeside scene and two indoor portraits of people at home.

My French is good — so why do I not understand when the French speak to one another?

There are a lot of differences between how the French talk to a non-native speaker compared to among themselves

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Smiling couple on a yacht deck laughing in bright sunlight.

An affaire to remember: this false friend is far more versatile in French

The word conjures up images of extra-marital romance in English

When ‘to’ means ‘from’ in French

In many cases de translates to 'from' and à 'to' - but not always

Why you should not say le Jour de Bastille

From fireworks to military parades, do you know these words related to France’s fête nationale?

When and why do we say mettre des bâtons dans les roues?

As the Tour de France whizzes across France this month, we look at why people in France talk about sticks and wheels when things do not go to plan

Megabyte error can cause mega embarrassment in France

Beware of presuming that this word is the same in French

What does une gamelle mean in French?

French food vocabulary from leftovers to lunch boxes

French voted 'most beautiful language' by American poets

Frequently cited words include amour, fleur, mélange and papillon

Why watching sports on TV is good for your French language skills

You may hear more and more anglicisms but there is plenty of opportunity to expand your French too

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

I’m a French tutor and these are six mistakes that block a beginner’s progress

Common mistakes include translating expressions word for word and not listening to everyday speech

The origins and meaning of barbe à papa

Find out the funny French translation for this fluffy fairground treat

What does avoir les jambes en coton mean and when should it be used?

We look at why people in France compare their legs to a variety of soft and squishy materials when tired out

France’s pastry attacks have a language of their own

From throwing flour bombs to getting pie-faced, France’s long tradition of attentats pâtissiers has a unique vocabulary to go alongside

How to express amazement this World Cup season

The French language really comes alive during sporting events

French football chants and songs you will hear this summer

Learn the meanings behind France’s most famous fan anthems

Indian man lying in bed, awake and looking distressed, with white pillows and bedding.

Nuit blanche and other French phrases featuring the colour white

How many white expressions are you familiar with?

French warning sign by a cobbled shore with a raised walkway over the bay at low tide

Understanding French cycle signs and property lingo

The literal meanings and historical roots of some commonly used terms

Films and TV series to improve your French in June

From understanding slang-filled comedies to identifying different regional pronunciations

La Fête des Mères: 10 French expressions about mothers

'Mamie-gâteau', ‘mère courage’... we share some of our favourite mum-themed words and phrases

How do new language tests affect Americans moving to France?

Immigration bill changed requirements for several residency card types

When and why do we say être ravitaillé par les corbeaux?

Crow-bar this phrase into conversation when referring to a remote location

Avoid linguistic 'blind spots' with a reliable word

Add this new word to your vocabulary for use in conversations about reliability

Au pif and seven more French estimation phrases

You may know the common phrase à peu près, meaning roughly, but how many of these other six similar phrases do you know?

Never underestimate the importance of ‘hello’ in France

Without it you risk being categorised as a visiting holidaymaker or city type

Person looking closely at trays of miniature figurines on a market table

Do you know your fabophile from your plangonophile?

Columnist Nick Inman finds the French language provides a plethora of words for collectors

From bouiner to banger: 150 ‘new’ words added to French dictionary

The latest 60th anniversary edition of Le Petit Robert features trending terms

Why many newcomers understand French but struggle to speak it

French conversation coach gives her top tips for developing 'progressive fluency'

The origins and meaning of tomber des nues

This idiomatic expression has nothing to do with nudity

The double meaning of brassage

Hop to it with a brewing phrase used in a sporting context

A clock on a businessman’s desk set to 2:00

When and why do we say on va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures?

Find out what this amusing French expression means so you can start to use it in your conversations

The origins and meaning of être frais comme un gardon

Use this fishy French phrase when someone is looking fresh-faced

Frustrating,Phone,Call,,Receptionist,Or,Business,Person

How to make polite requests in French

While English speakers start a request with ‘please’, French requests often begin with merci de

Five French films and TV shows for May

From thrillers to comedies, make learning easy by incorporating French media into your everyday life

Three French phrases inspired by other cultures

Explore the origins and meanings behind these French expressions related to foreign people and places

Cotton balls resting on a pile of folded clothes

Four French cotton-themed phrases

Explore French phrases inspired by a popular fabric

Confused,And,Surprised,Young,Professional,Woman,In,A,Tense,Discussion

From quoi to voilà… verbal tics can puzzle language learners

There are some habits you should not acquire, says columnist Nick Inman

Lesser-known French abbreviations to listen out for: just add 'O'

Insights into informal language trends, featuring shortened versions of restaurant, ordonnance and more

Tchin tchin, santé, eye contact: the words and rituals of French apéros

From a Mandarin phrase to mediaeval beliefs, we look back through the history of this evening tradition

Learning French: the origins and meaning of ne pas avoir un poil sur le caillou

Use this saying to describe someone who is bald

Books to help you practise your French skills

French books to improve your language skills, from easy-read romances to literary prize winners

Phrases used by young people in France in 2026

Have you heard any of these idioms?

Learning French: the origins and meaning of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or

An Easter-themed phrase to describe someone who is hungry for money

How to describe cheapskates in French

A village meeting feast showcased the radin tendencies of one family

Films and TV shows to improve your French this spring

From miniseries to stand-up comedy, boost your language skills with our media recommendations

Learning French: eight Easter-themed expressions

Se taper la cloche and other phrases to use if celebrating Easter in France

Feel the rhythm if you want to understand the language

Notes from a lecturer on how noticing the natural beats of verbal expression is essential to getting it right

Three fun fromage phrases for France’s national cheese day

Today (Friday, March 27) is la journée nationale du fromage

Learning French: when and why do we say vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre?

A handy phrase to say that someone wants the best of both worlds

The origins and meaning of rester bouche bée

Plus, more expressions for extreme surprise

Marseille,,France,-,23-09-2023:,Journalists,Prepare,To,Broadcast,During,Pope

Deciphering language used in French news bulletins

Columnist Nick Inman provides an overview of common media terms

Keep off the grass, shut the door... medieval origins and modern-day usage of prière

You may hear this formal word in everyday requests

Saint Patrick's Day: French expressions featuring the colour green

How many green French phrases do you know?

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Pompette and more French words for being tipsy

Discover linguistic nuances and cultural insights into France's respect for alcohol

French election terms to know ahead of les municipales

It is useful to understand political vocabulary, even if you cannot vote

Learning French: what does manger sur le pouce mean and when should it be used?

Use this expression to describe eating something quick and easy while on the move

Four,Friends,Making,A,Toast,During,A,Meal,At,A

La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people?

Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas

Five French phrases with same English meaning - just swap the animal

Do not try to translate these expressions word-for-word

Envoyer quelqu'un sur les roses and more French flower expressions

Romance or a secret? Learn five French expressions related to flowers

When and why do we say avoir des tablettes de chocolat?

A chocolate-themed saying to describe someone who has a six-pack

La fête des grand-mères: missing the feminine 'e'

We are taught that all adjectives have to agree with the gender of the noun in French – so why is there no 'e' at the end of grand?

When and why do we say c'est la sardine qui a bouché le port de Marseille?

Marseille, a ship, a very big sardine, and a stereotype

The origins and meaning of chat échaudé craint l'eau froide

This metaphoric French expression featuring a cat has no resemblance to its English equivalent

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Hungry, peckish, stuffed: 11 French phrases to do with food and eating

These phrases help to talk about one of the most important subjects in France - food

Can you guess the meaning of grincheux?

Read about a real-life example illustrating when to use this fun French adjective

Language

What is the French word for a know-all?

Four French ‘air’ expressions

Which French words are resisting anglicisms in everyday language?

Learning French: what does faire les cent pas mean and when should it be used?

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August 12 eclipse in France approaches: five questions answered

Why many old French houses stay cool without air conditioning

Storms in France: two people struck by lightning in Pyrenees

France's 2021 inheritance law: EU commission closes case

Explained: Driving on France's busy summer roads

French wildfire update August 3: fires continue in Var and Gironde

High temperatures to ease in most areas of France this week - storms forecast

Why French words are not pronounced the way they are written

What does le mouton à cinq pattes mean and when should it be used?

What does en flagrant délit mean in French?

My French is good — so why do I not understand when the French speak to one another?

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

An affaire to remember: this false friend is far more versatile in French

When ‘to’ means ‘from’ in French

Why you should not say le Jour de Bastille

When and why do we say mettre des bâtons dans les roues?

Megabyte error can cause mega embarrassment in France

How mispronouncing French words can lead to awkward situations

Mais où est donc Ornicar? Inside France’s strange and memorable school mnemonics

Why are Tour de France cyclists called ‘runners’ in French?

What does une gamelle mean in French?

Can you really learn a language after 60?

Rouler en chasse-patate and more Tour de France expressions

Connexion readers recommend more French novels for summer

The origins and meaning of lever le coude

Learning French: when and why do we say j’peux pas, j’ai piscine?

French voted 'most beautiful language' by American poets

Why watching sports on TV is good for your French language skills

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

I’m a French tutor and these are six mistakes that block a beginner’s progress

The origins and meaning of barbe à papa

What does avoir les jambes en coton mean and when should it be used?

France’s pastry attacks have a language of their own

How to express amazement this World Cup season

French football chants and songs you will hear this summer

Nuit blanche and other French phrases featuring the colour white

Understanding French cycle signs and property lingo

Films and TV series to improve your French in June

La Fête des Mères: 10 French expressions about mothers

How do new language tests affect Americans moving to France?

When and why do we say être ravitaillé par les corbeaux?

Avoid linguistic 'blind spots' with a reliable word

Au pif and seven more French estimation phrases

Never underestimate the importance of ‘hello’ in France

Do you know your fabophile from your plangonophile?

From bouiner to banger: 150 ‘new’ words added to French dictionary

Why many newcomers understand French but struggle to speak it

The origins and meaning of tomber des nues

The double meaning of brassage

When and why do we say on va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures?

The origins and meaning of être frais comme un gardon

How to make polite requests in French

Five French films and TV shows for May

Three French phrases inspired by other cultures

Four French cotton-themed phrases

From quoi to voilà… verbal tics can puzzle language learners

Lesser-known French abbreviations to listen out for: just add 'O'

Tchin tchin, santé, eye contact: the words and rituals of French apéros

Learning French: the origins and meaning of ne pas avoir un poil sur le caillou

Books to help you practise your French skills

Phrases used by young people in France in 2026

Learning French: the origins and meaning of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or

How to describe cheapskates in French

Films and TV shows to improve your French this spring

Learning French: eight Easter-themed expressions

Feel the rhythm if you want to understand the language

Three fun fromage phrases for France’s national cheese day

Learning French: when and why do we say vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre?

The origins and meaning of rester bouche bée

Deciphering language used in French news bulletins

Keep off the grass, shut the door... medieval origins and modern-day usage of prière

Saint Patrick's Day: French expressions featuring the colour green

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Pompette and more French words for being tipsy